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Cannas are desirable for their showy, tropical appearance. Colorful and distinctive, they make a statement in any garden. Cannas are tropical in more than appearance, however; most cannot tolerate cold temperatures and must be winterized when grown in northern climes. Cannas grow on thick horizontal roots called rhizomes and this is where their nutrients are stored for next year's growth. Home gardeners that live in cold winter climates must dig up and store the rhizomes before the freezing temperatures arrive.

1

Wait for the foliage to wither and die back. As the foliage wilts, it returns nutrients to the rhizome.

2

Cut the foliage and stem down to about three inches above the soil. Do this before the first frost. If a freeze does turn the foliage black, wait about three days and then cut it back.

3

Dig up the rhizomes, taking care not to damage them with the spade. Turn them over on top of the soil and let them dry out a bit.

4

Gently shake excess soil off of the rhizomes and roots once they are dry and place them in mesh bags or in another container that will allow air to circulate.

5

Store the rhizomes in a cool, dry location until spring. Optimum storage temperatures should be between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A dark garage or storage shed usually works well.

Things You Will Need

Pruning shears or clippers

Spade or shovel

Mesh bags

Fungicide

Warning

If you live in a damp environment, dust the rhizomes with a fungicide before storing them.